BCCI, PCB throw their weight behind to push back the dates

The PCB has also conveyed to BCCI “to send its team after Muharram” during which Pakistan authorities would be tied up with security arrangements.

“The BCCI was willing to send its team on March 1 but we have requested them to delay their arrival by a few more days because of Ashura (Muharram) which is expected to fall on March 2 and 3,” PCB chief executive Ramiz Raja said in a statement. Although the final date for India’s departure was yet to be worked out, the BCCI has agreed to PCB’s proposal of playing the three-Test series first followed by the five one-day internationals. The Indian board earlier wanted to first play the five one-day internationals and then the Tests.

“This problem has been sorted out. We are prepard to play the Tests first,” BCCI sources added. “We are glad that BCCI has accepted our proposal that Tests should take preference over one-dayers. PCB stance on scheduling Test matches before the ODI was based on cricketing ground and weather conditions,” Raja said.